Student honored for dedication to New Orleans

Loyola University New Orleans senior sociology student, Jancarlos "J.C." Romero, was recently named a 2012 Honorary Secretary of State for Louisiana for his leadership in the community, as well as for being elected the new co-chairman of the Young Democrats of New Orleans. The award was presented at the law office of Gainburgh and Benjamin in New Orleans.

Romero's professional career has focused primarily on education and working with at-risk districts and schools. Currently, he serves as a program director for Jefferson Parish's Department of Parks and Recreation, as well as an ESL instructor at Tulane University through the Catholic Charities Adult Education Program. Prior to that, he was the New Orleans area director for a supplemental educational services company and coordinator of internships for a nonprofit organization. He also serves as the executive campaign assistant for the Committee to Re-Elect Thomas Robichaux for the New Orleans School Board.

"I'm thrilled to have been one of eight young leaders in New Orleans to have received this honor. My greatest love and passion is serving the members of the city in which I was born and raised, and I will continue doing so as long as I am breathing. An honor like this keeps anyone motivated and it shows that you are, in fact, making a difference. I applaud the other recipients for all that they do for the city, as well as the state," Romero said.

In May, Romero also received the “Exchange Student with the Most Impact Award” at Keele University in Staffordshire, U.K., where he studied this past spring. He was recognized at the annual Legends of Keele awards ceremony, which highlights student achievement, service and involvement in the community.